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Sherry Bassin, Erie Otters managing partner and general manager, said recently that, "There seems to be a fair amount of people that have shown an interest" in purchasing the OHL franchise. Bassin didn't reveal specifics about potential buyers, although he added that he has received verbal offers.

Yet the Hamilton Spectator in Hamilton, Ontario, has reported that Michael Andlauer, owner of the AHL's Hamilton Bulldogs, has spoken with Bassin about the Otters and with David Branch, OHL commissioner and CHL president, about his interest in purchasing an OHL franchise. According to the Spectator, Andlauer wouldn't disclose if he and Bassin have discussed a purchase price.

"There's no doubt the league knows I'm desirous of having a team," Andlauer told the Spectator. "It's definitely on my radar. It's all a matter of timing."

Bassin, 73, has said he hasn't received interest locally about buying the franchise. "I'm coming to a point where I am going to sell the team," he said.

Reports began to surface a season ago linking the Otters with a potential move to Hamilton, Ontario. Then in March 2012, Bassin signed a two-year lease with the Erie County Convention Center Authority, which operates Erie Insurance Arena. The lease expires after the 2013-14 season.